This gracious 1912 Victorian home is nestled on 3 acres overlooking the tidal shores of Wallace Harbour.
Jubilee Cottage is a charming bed and breakfast inn where innkeepers, Herbert & Carol Dee have a most comfortable Bed & Breakfast, offering all the comforts of home, combined with pampering and nurturing touches.
Guests may play the piano, shoot pool, access the internet (wifi); during the warmer months, they may explore Wallace Harbour on our kayaks and meet harbor seals, great blue heron and other wildlife; the Wallace Museum is a treasure trove history; Two renowned golf courses are nearby; walking and hiking trails for the more adventurous abound. Ski Wentworth Valley is only 18 minutes away for winter fun and adventure.
Jubilee Cottage also offers you a panoramic view of picturesque Wallace Harbour. Sunsets in Wallace are absolutely spectacular.
Our History
This Victorian home was built in 1912 by Wallace businessman, Robert Nelson. Mr. Nelson built and operated a general store in Wallace, across from the present Presbyterian Church in 1890.
The house was very big and elaborate for its time. Mr. Nelson built it as a wedding house for a girl he had met in P.E.I. He used only the best materials. It had six large windows unlike any other house in the village.
These windows were brought in by train to Wallace Station and then they were hauled by horse and wagon to Wallace.
Unfortunately for Mr. Nelson, when he asked this lady to marry him, she said “No” and turned him down. Mr. Nelson lived alone in the house and never got married. He died in 1928.
Roy and Roberta Charman moved into this house in 1929. They lived here with their three daughters, Elizabeth, Barbara and Ruth. Mr. Charman died in 1964. After Mr. Charmans death, Roberta (“Bert”) opened up the home as a guest house. Bert spent many hours sitting in front of the big window knitting. Everyone who visited the house loved Bert Charman. The house was vacant for over 3 years after Mrs. Charman died in 1987.
Leslie and Daphne Dominy bought the house in 1991. They were originally from Newfoundland. They bought this house, renovated it and opened the Jubilee Cottage Country Inn in 1995. The renovating was a big job, mainly due to the house having gone into disrepair after having been empty for so long. They tried to keep as much of the old house as they could. They had to remove five layers of wallpaper in some rooms and replace some of the windows in order to make it easier to heat. The six largest windows were left untouched. All three levels of the house have the original hardwood floors. There are two fireplaces, several steep stairways, including one to the attic and old quarry stone steps to the basement. Many of the doors still lock with skeleton keys.
The Dominys ran Jubilee Cottage as an inn for six months of the year, with three guest rooms. They also offered fine dining to the public until 2003. Jubilee Cottage Country Inn was then renamed to Jubilee Cottage Inn.
Wallace “by the sea”, indeed “a beautiful place” found us and we moved into Jubilee Cottage in October 2004 after spending 26 years in Australia. We continue to run Jubilee Cottage as a bed and breakfast and we have re-opened the dining room, offering public dining once again. Our aim is to reflect our international backgrounds and lifestyles in the stream of health and wellness in our foods. We believe that “Eating for health need not compromise eating for pleasure”.
Mrs. Bert Charman’s photograph still hangs at the entrance of Jubilee Cottage and her friendly spirit continues to welcome all visitors.
Testimonials
-
Jubilee cottage is a nice and well-run B&B that has many great features. The family that runs the B&B is friendly and helpful. The house is set in a shallow bay about 30 meters from the water. There is a small bench by the beach where you can admire the rising sun and take in the beauty of the seaside.
There is a small dock and a convenience store 2 min away with essentials like a small selection of wine and beer. Our room (blue heron) was pleasantly decorated and featured a small tv with cable, a window air conditioner, a wood stove, electrical base board, ceiling fan, bed (queen) and sofa bed. Wi-fi is available.
The bed was firm and comfortable with many pillows. The sofa bed was predictably less comfortable but still very acceptable. The bathroom was small but modern with a whirlpool bath. The common areas are nicely decorated and warm. There is a dinner offered at night ($42) – entrée, soup, main course, dessert and coffee. You can bring your own alcoholic beverage. The price might look high at first glance but the quality of the ingredients and cooking amply justify the price. Let’s say that having been to many high-priced restaurant across the world, I was very satisfied by this meal. Excellent value for the price. You can also dine without being a guest but reserve ahead. Ingredients were fresh (this was summer) and there is a great emphasis on organic local food and of course fish and seafood. The food offerings are compatible with gluten-free needs. The cuisine could be described as world fusion with asian-Caribbean-australian influences. The portions were perfect for me – I would describe them as mid-size canadian, large european and small for american visitors.
Very few downsides. Perhaps the room would be seen as small for people used to expensive north american hotels (of course, the sofa bed was using some of the room space). Bathroom was also small. This is a vintage house so you could see, here and there, signs of its age but you needed to really look for it.Very Pleased
Ottawa, ON -
This was our third time dinning at Jubilee Cottage. Friday night was “Now and Zen” Asian cuisine. The menu includes an appetizer, soup, 2 mains and dessert. Coffee and herbal teas as well. It is a BYO wine. Only $5 corking fee. Call ahead for reservations. Since it is a small family operation the menu is set for the evening. There are other themes on other nights. A great value at $42 each plus $5 corking fee if you bring wine.
Mike
Nova Scotia -
Lovely cosy comfortable rooms, full of charm. Our room had a fireplace and ensuite, and the bed was like sleeping on a cloud. The ambience in this period home is very soothing and the music wafting through the puts you at peace. The full breakfast is scrumptious and be sure to stay on for the dinners. Perfect place for your country getaway!
Down Under Visitor
Brisbane, Australia -
We made reservations for anniversary dinner. The food was incrediable as was the host and hostess.very nice view of ocean from dining room will definately go again!
Dans
Trenton, Nova Scotia -
My wife and I were at celebration barbecue at friends in Wallace and spent the night at the Jubilee. The hosts/owners were very hospitable. We stayed in the Sandpiper room which was nicely appointed with a comfortable bed and a fireplace. A delicious breakfast was served at 8.30 am which had crispy bacon, a hearty portion of scrambled eggs, two kinds of toast and a lots of fresh fruit. Topped off with a nice Greek Yogurt topped with hemp hearts…. They are good for you. Would not hesitate to recommend the Jubilee cottage!
-
Was riding through on my motorcycle and called a few B&B in range. Liked the courteous response over the phone and glad I chose this place. Room was clean and had all the amenities. Shower stall was tight, but for me it accented the charm of this 103 year old house. Breakfast was sumptuous & presented elegantly. Was served in a quaint room overlooking the lawn and ocean. Owners were polite and courteous. Would like to come again with my wife someday (will have to be on 4 wheels though).